Options Trading Resources
- The Options Strategies Index offered by the Options Industry Council (see Resources) offers a list of the standard trading strategies that are typically employed by stock options traders. This resource provides line graphs that depict the potential trending of stock options and notes the points in the trend where the trader should buy and where they should sell the option. Each strategy has its own distinct advantage and disadvantage as well as specific application.
- Using a position simulator can help you hone your stock options trading strategies without putting any real money at risk, which can be much less stressful than trying to learn in the real market. The position simulator offered by the Options Industry Council (see Resources) allows users to upload sample data and view the impact of various trading strategies in a simulated market. Users can adjust factors such as expiration date and volatility and see the respective impact in real time.
- A number of online classes are available for purchase and for free on the Internet to help you learn more about stock options trading. The Options Industry Council offers online classes for free to users who register a free account on its website. The "options basics" is designed for people who are new to the industry and need to learn terminology and basic stock option mechanics. More advanced classes are available to more skilled and seasoned traders.
- The Chicago Board Options Exchange, or CBOE, is a key resource for most stock options traders. As one of the highest-volume markets for stock options, the CBOE is a useful resource for traders at all levels. In addition to real-time price quotes of stock options, users can access a symbol directory, obtain calendars of expiration dates, find out what the fee schedules are for different companies and learn about recent contract adjustments to the stock options that they own.
